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Shenendoah
Traditional - treatment and original lyrics William J. Hall April 15, 2005 |
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1 |
This Welshman loves an Indian maiden |
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2 |
- Away, you rolling river - |
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3 |
In my canoe with tokens laden |
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4 |
Away, I'm bound away |
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5 |
'Cross the wide Missoura
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6 |
For, Shenandoah, I love your daughter |
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7 |
- Away, you rolling river - |
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8 |
It's for her hand I'll cross the water |
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9 |
Away, I'm bound away |
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10 |
'Cross the wide Missoura
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11 |
Oh Shenandoah, we're bound to leave you |
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12 |
- Away, you rolling river - |
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13 |
Oh Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you |
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14 |
Away, I'm bound away |
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15 |
'Cross the wide Missoura
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16 |
But come the Blue Days of September |
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- Away, you rolling river - |
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Then look for us upon the river |
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Away, I'm bound away |
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'Cross the wide Missoura
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underlined lyrics are original
Notes -
Since childhood, this has been one of my favorite traditional American folk songs. I suppose the first version I remember is my friend, Pete Seeger's.
The traditional lyrics for this song, like so many traditional lyrics, seem to be a hodge-podge of influences. I wanted to tell a focused, succinct story - so I made it into a little love song.
When I sang it for some of my Native American family, they suggested I say "This Welshman" rather than "This White Man" (the more traditional line) because my heritage is part Welsh and it seemed unoffensive to them. They thought the use of the term "Indian" here was fine, however. The term "Blue Days" is a particular Native American term meaning "nights."
© William J. Hall & 2005 all rights reserved ASCAP |